One by One

Technique & Style

Figurative, Painting

Figures

Jesus Christ, Nephites

Notes

Dance major, BYU. Artist statement: "This painting is a depiction of the Savior blessing the precious Nephite children. After He had commanded that they be brought to Him, and was encircled by them, he prayed and wept on their behalf. As a mother, I know what a blessing it is to care for Heavenly Father’s precious children. They bring with them a holy light. We are responsible for protecting them, loving them and teaching them the ways of the Lord so they can better let their light shine. When I painted a depiction of this sacred scene, I used pastel colors in the children’s clothing as a way of showing the light each child holds. I find it quite significant that the Savior blessed the children one by one, as individuals. I imagine that took a long time! Yet, He, and the multitude, gave each child the time they deserved. I left detail out of certain areas of the canvas to portray the fact that each child the Savior blessed had their own, sacred and special moment. This is also to emphasize the significance that each child is an important, and loved individual. We all need one-on-one with our Savior so we too can feel His love for us. I imagine this moment must have been a teaching moment. Not only did the Savior teach them that they were loved individually, but He also taught them to love individually by blessing them one at a time. The other children painted, stand close to the Savior with their attention on the child being blessed. As they that wait for their turn, they see the importance of the individual child and the love the Savior has for that child. I used different hues of metallic gold paint as the background to represent the holiness of this important moment in the Book of Mormon history. The dark red blanket the blessed child is wrapped in, reminds us that, prior to this event, the Savior bled and died for those children. They are the most precious of gems, and each child on earth should be seen as a gift; both from our Heavenly Father for loaning them to us, and to the Savior for saving them with His own life."

Exhibition History:

• Submitted to the 2023 BYU Book of Mormon Art Contest.